2025 Civics Public Opinion

public opinion

ideas and attitudes that most people hold about a particular issue or person

Role of Public Opinion

Shapes decisions of every president

Helps make effective, timely decisions

Influences of Public Opinion

Person's background, the mass media, public officials, race, gender, age

pollster

a specialist whose job is to conduct polls regularly

Push Poll

Questions are worded so as to influence a person's responses

Problem with Polls

Elected officials too concerned with polls

Effect elections - discourage voting

Interest Groups

organizations of people who unite to promote their ideas

Economic Interest Groups

Concerned with wages, working conditions, and benefits

American Federation of Labor (AFL)

Largest economic interest group

Public Interest Group

support causes that affect the lives of Americans in general

nonpartisan

free from party ties or bias

PACs

collect money from the members of their groups and use it to support some candidates and oppose others.

Lobbyist

contact lawmakers or other government officials directly for interest groups

NOW Interest Group

Help protect and promote women's rights

Pros of Interest Groups

- Make govt more responsive

-Communicate people's wishes

- People participate in govt

Cons of Interest Groups

- Too much influence in govt

- Contributions corrupt politicians

AARP (American Association of Retired Persons)

Assist older Americans - retirement

NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People)

Promote and Protect African American rights

Watch Dog Role

Media holds govt accountable

Media exposes govt corruption and waste

Media Bias

To report in a way that reinforces a viewpoint or provides misleading information